Personal Blog

In the ever-evolving dance between technology and user experience, my journey took an unexpected turn when my trusty MacBook Air (2019, Intel Edition) met its untimely demise in the form of a water spillage. As I stood at the crossroads of choosing between the familiar embrace of Apple and the beckoning call of Windows, memories of my academic pursuits on the MacBook and intermittent trysts with a Windows companion (an HP Pavilion since 2014) flooded my mind.

Having immersed myself in the Apple ecosystem over the years, I couldn't help but marvel at the grace with which the MacBook Air glided through my demanding workload. Its prowess in handling tasks without succumbing to the dual foes of overheating and lag was nothing short of admirable. The Retina display painted a vivid canvas, while the impeccable sound quality was a symphony to my ears. The MacBook Air had become an extension of my creative space, seamlessly adapting to the rhythm of my academic endeavors.

As I mourned the passing of my MacBook Air, a lingering question arose – should I return to the Windows realm or embark on a new chapter with another Mac? Destiny, it seemed, had other plans for me, guiding my footsteps to the aisles of a computer store during a leisurely evening stroll with my wife.

There, like a beacon in the vast sea of laptops, I discovered the Acer Vero—a unique concept unveiled in 2020, adorned with the allure of a National Geographic limited edition. The prospect of a laptop crafted with sustainability in mind piqued my interest, especially considering its construction from approximately 30% recycled plastic.

Intrigued, I delved into the Vero's specifications—a harmonious blend of an expandable RAM (up to 16GB), a generous 512GB SSD, and the reliable Intel i5 processor—all within a reasonable budget. Convinced that this could be the companion for my upcoming ventures, I decided to embrace the Vero for my next chapter.

The initial days with the Acer Vero were promising. Its startup was a seamless ballet, the keyboard clicks a satisfying melody, and the battery life a reliable companion for my daily tasks. However, as the honeymoon phase waned, a disconcerting development emerged. After a mere three weeks, the once nimble machine began to falter, succumbing to lag and prolonged booting times.

This unexpected twist prompted contemplation. Could there be an inherent magic in the MacBook that keeps it a step ahead? Despite Windows machines dominating the global user base, with their early market foothold and widespread availability, the longevity and superior performance of MacBooks lingered as a testament to Apple's commitment to quality.

Reflecting on the past, my MacBook had weathered a mere 300 power cycles over its five-year lifespan, resulting in an impressive 8-9 hours of battery life each day. In stark contrast, the Windows machine showed signs of wear far sooner than anticipated.

As I navigate this technological crossroads, the tale of two laptops unfolds—an ode to the enduring allure of MacBooks and a nod of appreciation to Acer's Vero for its sustainable aspirations. The dance continues, each step shaping my digital narrative in this ever-evolving tech symphony.

Allow me to share a thought-provoking insight.

Through years of academic research training, I have cultivated a rational mindset that occasionally intersects with my belief in the divine. Infrequently, I delve into the exploration of concepts and beliefs in various religions, seeking analogies and attempting interpretations through rational thought.

The Bhagavad Gita describes life by portraying the soul as a mere passenger of the body, with the mind as the charioteer guiding the soul. While the mind takes charge of decisions, the soul becomes a passive recipient of ensuing pleasures and sorrows. The implication is that one should strive to control and discipline the mind for a healthy and tranquil existence.

Upon reflection, this perspective may hold practical truth. Imagine deciding to grow long hair one day; suddenly, you start noticing people with long hair around you. They didn't magically appear; your mindset changed.

Consider another scenario: you know your ride is scheduled for 11:57 am, and you typically start your day at 09:10 am. On a usual day, catching your ride is routine. However, if a thought arises, suggesting you might be late, the likelihood of missing your ride increases.

Could it be that the mind is akin to the subconscious, continually registering everything in life? It seems to exert control over our actions, leading to consequences.

Perhaps the directive to control our minds is linked to the subconscious. A single negative thought can significantly impact our psyche and subsequent actions. In essence, the mind, functioning as the subconscious, plays a pivotal role in shaping our experiences.

During moments of solitude or in the crowd, the mind often embarks on a liberated journey, traversing the expanses of the universe, with every nuance meticulously recorded in the recesses of the subconscious. This contemplation naturally begets an inquiry into the nature of the subconscious itself – an involuntary realm, seemingly beyond the grasp of our deliberate control. Is the subconscious the "Real Mind" other than the "Mind" that we think is the "Mind"? and despite all efforts, it can never be regulated or disciplined.

I invite you to contribute your insights to this pondering.

Something I want to share from personal experience.

After obtaining a Biotechnology degree from the University of Mumbai, I was torn between exploring job opportunities in the industry and pursuing further education. In 2013, Biotechnology was promoted across India as a flourishing field with numerous job prospects for fresh graduates. However, it was widely believed that obtaining a Master's degree in this field would enhance job prospects, as it was primarily perceived as a research-oriented domain. Unbeknownst to me, the job market for Biotechnology largely favoured molecular biology specialists. Meanwhile, the field of nanomaterials and nanoscience was gaining significant traction in research popularity. Following my fascination and curiosity, one step led to another, and I earned a doctorate in Chemistry.

Throughout my journey, I realized a missing crucial aspect—the lack of information and exposure to the job market requirements, which predominantly revolved around molecular biologists. Consequently, I couldn't help but wonder when the industry would start accepting graduates from nanosciences.

The semiconductor electronics industry is one of the major employers of graduates with expertise in nanosciences and nanomaterials. The chemical engineering sector and, to a lesser extent, the cosmetic industry also offer opportunities. However, many researchers who have received training or pursued a doctorate in biomedical technology involving nanomaterials continue to need help securing entry-level positions within the relevant industry.

Indeed the field of biomedical research, especially in areas such as nanomaterial-based drug delivery or biosensors, is still in its early stages. We have yet to uncover much regarding the long-term implications of the breakthroughs published in various scientific journals. The current state of biomedical research places significant pressure on job aspirants. However, it also presents a unique opportunity for individuals to take the lead and pave the way through entrepreneurship.

It will be fascinating to see how the future unfolds and accommodates fresh graduates from the wide research area of biomedical technology. As this field continues to evolve and expand, the industry must recognize the potential of these graduates and provide them with suitable opportunities. As someone in my early career stage, I am optimistic about a better future for the next generation. 

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend the 2023 International Advanced Drug Delivery Symposium (IADDS) organized by the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) in Taiwan. The symposium brought together top leaders in drug delivery systems from both academic and industrial backgrounds. Although it is not my primary research area, as a biologist and chemistry major, I have been following these concepts for many years, so they were familiar to me.

The symposium provided valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of the drug delivery market, research directions, and multiple approaches for delivering active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) or chemical combinatorial therapeutics. It offered a fresh perspective on the challenges in the field that I want to share here.

During the symposium, I had the privilege of attending several notable talks. Vincent Ling highlighted the importance of establishing a robust drug delivery system at the intersection of nanomaterials, APIs, and target diseases. He presented Lupron Depot as a classic example of a sustained-release drug delivery platform. He introduced the highly promising SonoTran® platform developed by OxSonics Therapeutics, which utilizes focused ultrasound for anticancer therapeutic delivery. Ling also emphasized the need for improved reproducibility and animal experimental data in clinical trial applications, signalling an important consideration for the future.

In the current academic research on drug delivery, the use of various types of nanomaterials as carriers for API payloads is a significant focus. These nanomaterials are precisely designed to target specific cellular environments and enhance therapeutic effects through in situ biochemical reactions. Prof. Wolfgang Parak provided an intriguing perspective on the transit of nanomaterials in and out of cells. His research on functionalized gold nanoparticles revealed that cellular concentration distribution and exosome-mediated exocytosis could impact the long-term fate of these nanoparticles, highlighting potential side effects and the influence of protein corona formation.

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have emerged as the most popular and widely accepted drug delivery vehicle due to their biocompatibility and high payload capacity. Prof. Robert Langer's pioneering work in the 1990s laid the foundation for LNPs, and their journey over the past decade has been remarkable. Prof. Michael J. Mitchell, a former member of Prof. Langer's research group, discussed overcoming biological barriers to mRNA delivery and presented his work on in situ genome editing and Spina bifida.

Prof. Kam Leong, Editor-in-Chief of Biomaterials, emphasized the remarkable capabilities of precisely fabricated nanoparticles with biomolecules to enter biological cells and perform detectable activities. He referred to them as "magic" delivery vehicles. Praful Doshi, the Founder Chairman and CTO of MediPrints Ophthalmics introduced his concept of digitally printing APIs on contact lenses for sustained release and improved bioavailability, specifically addressing the continuous dosage requirement in conditions like glaucoma. His product is undergoing Phase II clinical trials and is close to FDA approval.

Regrettably, I was unable to attend every presentation due to prior commitments. However, I had the opportunity to engage in valuable discussions and establish connections with the distinguished assembly of scientists who participated in the symposium.

As someone working at the interface of nanotechnology and biosensors, my focus is on theranostic applications and bioelectronic sensors for wearable healthcare solutions. This symposium has reminded me of the importance of approaching problems from different perspectives and striving for innovative solutions. As academics, we have the responsibility to envision a better and healthier world by looking ahead into the future.